This is the time of year when people are often either excited to celebrate the holidays or they are feeling a sense of dread about what might be coming during this sometimes stressful season. But the one thing that we all have in common is that we want to be happy.

As I was thinking about happiness, it came to me that a key to happiness involves circulation. By that I mean that true happiness comes from giving and receiving. The kind of sharing that involves the heart and the willingness to share without any expectations.

It is so easy to focus on what is not right or supportive. We get fixated on the gifts we will give or receive during the holidays. We become anxious about having enough money to get all of the things we desire to give. There are moments of joy about the presents we receive and moments of disappointment when we don’t get what we want. However, what brings true happiness revolves around peaceful thoughts and acts.

If you take a few moments to think about some of the best gifts you have ever received, you might discover that they were simple and heartfelt. They might have been a handwritten note, or a knitted sweater. It might have been a card sharing how much you mean to someone that immediately opened your heart. One of my favorite gifts was a picture drawn by my granddaughter. It was a picture of the house that we used to live in and all of the wonderful things that happened for her in that house. I still have that picture, and whenever my granddaughter sees it, great conversations ensue about our happy times. When she was small, my intention was to share our home and bring joy to our family. I did not know how lasting the experiences would be in the heart of this child.

I do not know where you are in your life, but I do know that you matter. I believe that you have wisdom, authenticity, joy and harmony that reside at the soul of your being. I believe that any time you decide to share the gift of your heart, someone is touched and maybe even healed. I believe that the greatest gift that you can give is your loving heart in whatever form it takes. As you move into this holiday season, I invite you to bring forth simple acts of kindness, love, honoring and respect for yourself and others.

May this season be one of true happiness for you and all that you love!

Please affirm with me: Today, I activate happiness within myself by opening to giving and receiving love, peace and joy.

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